The Eldritch Lorecast: Recent Episodes
Ghostfire Gaming
Ben Byrne, Dael Kingsmill, Shawn Merwin, and James Haeck bring you the latest tabletop hobby news, discussions on roleplaying game design, ideas for players and GMs, and share their passion for tabletop roleplaying games and the community!
For More info be sure to check out ghostfiregaming.com.
We explore our favorite TTRPG settings and what makes a good campaign setting, whether the 80's D&D cartoon will ever get a revival, and can 5e be played in low magic worlds?
Back the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:44 - Best TTRPG settings
09:57 - Deep lore vs flexible lore
26:19 - Critical Role cartoon is free
28:45 - Free D&D Beyond one shot
30:41 - 80's cartoon revival?
35:52 - D&D 2024 sales
41:13 - Is low magic better?
55:55 - Polymorph clarification
Kobold Press takes a strong stance on AI in the TTRPG industry, Adventurer's League integrates D&D 2024 into its organized play, and we redesign Strahd for the modern age!
Follow the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Adam: @RetroArchetype
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:46 - Favorite CRPG
09:53 - Adventurer's League 2024
25:19 - Ravenloft novel
35:31 - Kobold Press and AI
50:32 - Making Strahd better
Comments from Hasbro CEO ignites another discussion on AI tools in D&D, MCDM releases their creator license for Draw Steel, and we debate whether being a YouTuber helps or hinders success for TTRPG creators?
Follow the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro01:11 - Scheduling regular games
06:30 - Chris Cocks talks AI
15:30 - D&D preorders cancelled
16:26 - Draw Steel! creator license
23:27 - YouTube & TTRPG publishers
40:31 - DriveThru game jam
49:32 - Grim Hollow Transformed!
54:46 - In-game laws of magic
This week the Lorecast discusses the ethics of designing wargames for the military, discusses whether bounded accuracy supports a "heroic fantasy" ludonarrative, and revises the Grim Hollow transformation rules!
Follow the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv
Check out People Make Games' excellent video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYaDXZ2MI-k
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:58 - Structuring adventures
13:48 - Grim Hollow transformations
26:09 - Designing games for the military
43:12 - Bounded accuracy
Matt Colville joins the Lorecast to explore whether digital tools like D&D Beyond or Project Sigil actually improve tabletop gaming? Also, which action economy is right for you?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Matt: @mcolville
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:01 - Digital tools in TTRPGs
17:25 - Project Sigil
34:57 - D&D 2025 releases
50:26 - Greg Tito leaves WotC
51:52 - Prescribed actions vs free actions
01:00:00 - Changing action economy
James Introcaso from MCDM joins us to talk Draw Steel and whether developing games publicly make for better TTRPG's? D&D Beyond and Paizo both walk back unpopular policies, and can RPG's have purely storytelling rules without dice?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Big Jimbo: @JamesIntrocaso
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:50 - Developing Draw Steel
18:18 - D&D Beyond updates
29:52 - Paizo licensing
32:17 - Cosmere breaking records
40:03 - Mighty Nein series
48:07 - Purely narrative mechanics
Good news and bad news in the TTRPG industry this week as D&D books are delayed, Geek & Sundry return, Paizo changes their 3rd party licensing, and Deborah Ann Woll teaches us all about roleplaying games!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:05 - Deborah Ann Woll teaches D&D
11:23 - D&D 2024 delays
12:28 - Geek & Sundry return
15:12 - Patreon problems
24:20 - Critical Role are Among Us
27:11 - Paizo licensing changes
31:19 - Roll20 preorder incentives
34:35 - Writing your first adventure
In the aftermath of Gen Con, a miscommunication from WotC leads to big trouble for D&D YouTubers. Meanwhile, a new record in TTRPG crowdfunding is being broken.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Con drop
07:52 - Gen Con news recap
22:47 - WotC vs YouTube
42:07 - D&D's digital future?
53:15 - Cosmere Kickstarter
LIVE from Gen Con we explore the D&D 2024 Player's Handbook with WotC designers Makenzie De Armas and Justice Ramin Arman. We also get a sneak peak at Project Sigil, the D&D 3D VTT, and prepare ourselves to Draw Steel!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Makenzie: @MakenzieLaneDA
Justice: @justicearman
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:11 - Gen Con
06:29 - Puncheons & Flagons
09:12 - 2024 PHB
24:54 - The "Math"
32:43 - Designing for humans
36:04 - Monster Manual
41:25 - Designing from art
48:07 - Project Sigil
53:27 - Draw Steel!
We dismantle the D&D 2024 crafting rules to discover why players like to craft, before diving in to fix the 5e exploration pillar and ask whether it's simply misunderstood?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - New dragon types
06:34 - D&D 2024 Crafting rules
11:34 - In game economies
15:17 - Why do players craft?
18:36 - Is crafting player facing?
27:36 - Gen Con 2024
30:48 - Non-combat pillars of play
42:15 - Exploration pillar deep dive
The Eldritch Lorecast gets hype for Gen Con, where you can buy the first copies of the D&D 2024 Player's Handbook! What does the new president of WotC spell for the game's future?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:45 - 2024 PHB selling at Gen Con
09:40 - USPS D&D Stamps
11:37 - Ghostfire at Gen Con
13:26 - WotC's new president
20:55 - Role Gate buys Tabletop Mirror
27:40 - San Diego Comic Con
29:43 - Favorite character flaws
The new D&D Monk splits the Lorecast crew, Wizards of the Coast reshuffle their staff with a notable absence, and a new streaming service strives to compete with Twitch.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:14 - Monk 2024
27:13 - Bard 2024
30:51 - Sorcerer 2024
32:37 - Cleric 2024
35:23 - Kyle Brink leaves WOTC
38:50 - D&D stamps
41:58 - Moonbeam
52:40 - Sci fi TTRPG's
A pre-order bonus for the D&D 3D VTT has us wondering how close it is and how WotC plan to monetize it? Are the new dragons an upgrade from the old? Wouldn't you like to custom make your character's species?
Playtest Grim Hollow's heritage system: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_7_145
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:29 - Sam Riegel
07:24 - D&D 3D VTT update
20:31 - D&D Preorder bonuses
34:50 - Roll20 data leak
38:11 - 2024 Ennie nominations
41:15 - New heritage system
49:12 - Ranger core fantasy
There's a lot to say about the new 5e 2024 Ranger, and... well... it's a thing! We also review the new D&D 2024 spells and try to get more players into the GM chair.
Sign up for Grim Hollow Kickstarter updates: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=3hjfbf
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
James: @JamesJHaeck
Dael: @dailydael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:22 - New 5e Ranger
19:38 - New 5e Spells
27:51 - 5e Ranger redux
35:30 - Make new Game Masters
45:40 - Core systems that work
The Eldritch Lorecast deep dives into the D&D 2024 previews to explore backgrounds, weapon mastery, heroic advantage, subclasses, and that one missed opportunity!
Experience Grim Hollow on D&D Beyond: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_6_143
Follow the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=3hjfbf
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Robert: @RobertHartleyGM
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
03:20 - Grim Hollow on D&D Beyond
10:31 - Grim Hollow Tranformed
16:46 - D&D '24 PHB preview
19:29 - Backgrounds and origins
34:50 - Major rules changes52:50 - New subclasses
Fans notice differences in the D&D Beyond Vecna: Eve of Ruin, Chris Cocks submits to an amazingly awkward interview, and we ponder who the average TTRPG player is?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:52 - Player's Handbook predictions
17:17 - Eve of Ruin print vs digital
23:17 - Chris Cocks interview
34:08 - Who is the average player?
41:06 - TTRPG chase scenes
Do you need to be an Influencer to be a successful TTRPG designer? Is Roll20 buying Demiplane good for the RPG industry? Why has Dicebreaker stopped reporting on D&D? All that and more, right now...
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - Monster Manual covers
04:23 - Roll20 buys Demiplane
11:40 - Dael’s Dragon Age corner
14:12 - Dicebreaker conspiracy
19:16 - Legend of Vox Machina S3
20:45 - Diana Jones Award nominees
32:24 - YouTubification of TTRPG's
Wizards of the Coast publish a job listing for an AI Engineer, the new D&D Dungeon Master's Guide has its cover revealed, and we might have found an official name for the MCDM RPG.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:44 - 5e DMG Covers
09:44 - WotC hiring AI Engineers
19:35 - Adam Bradford joins Fantasy Grounds
31:56 - D&D Show leaves Paramount+
34:07 - D&D's controversial history
38:01 - AC or damage threshold?
We dive into D&D adventure settings from Greyhawk to Kara Tur, from Forgotten Realms to Dark Sun, and ponder which deserve to return to 5e?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Teos: @Alphastream
Omar: @OmarNajam
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:36 - Greyhawk
10:59 - Campaign settings & GMs
17:59 - D&D: Worlds and Realms
25:11 - Kara Tur
33:39 - D&D translations and accessibility
36:01 - "Blue Shell" rubber band mechanics
52:22 - Food in TTRPGs
New D&D art drops, showcasing the cover of the next 5e PHB. MCDM rockets onto D&D Beyond with two 3rd party titles. Vecna is revealed as the next Dead by Daylight villain.
Get 30% off at Into the AM until May 29: https://intotheam.com/GhostfireGaming
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Zac: @ZacSpeaksGiant
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:05 - How important is art?
07:54 - New D&D Covers
24:12 - Cover & Interior Art
29:39 - New D&D rules details
40:39 - MCDM on D&D Beyond
45:01 - Vecna joins Dead by Daylight
46:44 - Ability checks you want to fail
Critical Role starts its own subscription service, but is this repeating Geek & Sundry's mistakes? D&D announces another video game licensing deal and makes a controversial reveal!
Sign for the Monster Hunter playtest: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_4_134
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:37 - Critical Role & Beacon
22:03 - Monster Hunter design stream
23:33 - Black Flag SRD
36:51 - D&D and Dead By Daylight
40:43 - D&D's greatest nontroversy
45:05 - Social rules in TTRPG's
Wizards of the Coast drops microtransactions from D&D Beyond, promises to update the 5e SRD, and releases an AI art FAQ. Should every TTRPG have a TV show like Fallout?
Crowdfund Campaign Cabinets here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/loudounlaserworks/campaign-cabinets?ref=cq6nex
Sign for the Monster Hunter playtest: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_4_134
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:09 - D&D SRD update
10:26 - D&D Beyond microtransactions
19:29 - WotC AI art FAQ
25:28 - Campaign cabinets
29:12 - Fallout TTRPG sales
43:18 - AI art and small creators
51:40 - AI art and GM use
We discuss designing a new 5e class, the difference between psionics and magic in D&D, Hasbro's investor call, and GM'ing for strangers!
Discover the Wandering Tavern here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/homieandthedude/the-wandering-tavern?ref=e9y7dz
Sign for the Monster Hunter playtest: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_4_134
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:39 - Monster Hunter class
21:18 - Psionics in D&D 5.5e
32:20 - Nurturing new players
36:12 - The Wandering Tavern
40:21 - Roll20 and Discord partnership
43:46 - Hasbro earnings call
48:23 - Running games for strangers
Cynthia Williams resigns from Wizards of the Coast and leaves behind her D&D legacy, Critical Role showcase Daggerheart rules on stream, and Pathfinder has new classes for you to playtest.
Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DDMD_2024_4_131
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:30 - Cynthia Williams resigns
14:42 - Steve Jackson Games
25:04 - CR advertises Daggerheart
25:46 - Campaign SPOILERS
29:00 - Spoilers end
30:18 - Monsters of Drakkenheim
31:35 - Pathfinder news
42:41 - Baldur's Gate 4
47:59 - Crowded TTRPG industry
We review the changes to Daggerheart and whether it's better or worse with initiative rules, boggle at the price of Dimension 20 live tickets, and consider whether Hasbro's CEO is right about the future of gaming.
Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DDMD_2024_4_131
Chris Cocks WBUR-fm interview: https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2024/04/03/dungeons-and-dragons-hasbro
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Monty: @montycmartin
Kelly: @KaiInRealLife
Dungeon Dudes: @DungeonDudes
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:33 - Dimension 20 ticket prices
19:11 - Daggerheart playtest update
40:55 - Monsters of Drakkenheim
49:22 - Metamorphosis Alpha
50:15 - Chris Cocks interview
This week Lexi McQueen joins the Lorecast to look through the D&D LEGO adventure, speculate at the D&D video game news, and then we all try not to panic while our party learns to teleport!
Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DDMD_2024_4_131
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Lexi: @blackgirlmage
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:30 - Making Liveplays
11:53 - Writing adventures
14:18 - LEGO D&D Adventure
20:43 - D&D Videogame news
28:43 - Karlach takes up wrestling!
30:37 - Women Innovators of Play 2024
32:20 - Monsters of Drakkenheim
32:58 - TTRPG rules vs setting
53:42 - Handling the teleport spell
D&D Beyond joins Kickstarter to support Monsters of Drakkenheim, a free 5e adventure is released for Tsojcanth, and are dropping D&D sales in 2023 a problem?
Express your style with 10% off at INTO THE AM: https://intotheam.com/GhostfireGaming
Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://get.monstersofdrakkenheim.com/14
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:49 - Digital vs physical rules
06:14 - Point buy vs roll stats
14:18 - D&D Beyond on Kickstarter
21:49 - Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth
32:33 - D&D sales fall 30%
48:30 - TTRPG dream sequences
A deluge of gaming news breaks with a sneak peak at the new 5e DMG, Tome of Beast hits D&D Beyond, Wizard's secures more licensing deals, and Larian cancels Baldur's Gate 4!
Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://get.monstersofdrakkenheim.com/14
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Adam: @RetroArchetype
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Gaming snacks
06:51 - Conquest Melbourne
07:37 - Gary Con news
08:20 - Shadowdark
11:56 - Matt Mercer in the new DMG
15:05 - More Gary Con news
29:33 - Tome Of Beasts on D&D Beyond
32:20 - Monsters of Drakkenheim
36:15 - D&D LEGO release
41:03 - D&D Converse
42:10 - Baldur's Gate cancelled
48:11 - Remembering James M. Ward
50:09 - D&D is for Nerds podcast
The Dungeon Dudes drop in to talk the Daggerheart open Beta, their next 5e Kickstarter "Monsters of Drakkenheim", and whether AI creation tools can be used responsibly?
Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://get.monstersofdrakkenheim.com/14
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @JamesJHaeck
Monty: @montycmartin
Kelly: @KaiInRealLife
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:28 - Best 5e monster type
13:20 - Monsters of Drakkenheim
31:56 - Hasbro using AI
43:38 - Daggerheart playtest
5e Adventurer's League consolidates onto D&D Beyond, Chaosium offers money if you develop for the Basic Roleplaying: Universal Game Engine, and Kobold Press announces a new Tales of the Valiant starter set!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:49 - Chaosium game design competition
20:08 - Adventurers League on D&D Beyond
25:44 - Premier AL organizers
37:59 - Tales of the Valiant starter set
42:09 - Do adventure modules railroad?
Darrington Press announces a Daggerheart open playtest, D&D Beyond updates Maps and offers an exclusive Vecna adventure, and a surprise new TTRPG adventure wants you to play for science!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:23 - Daggerheart playtest
22:28 - D&D Beyond Maps
29:43 - Vecna: Nest of the Eldritch Eye
39:43 - Realms of Kymoria lawsuit
44:31 - Learning from adventure modules
53:05 - Surprise NASA TTRPG
Does D&D lore need a refresh with more recognizable characters? Why did WotC cut Portuguese translations from their books? Where's the best place to get TTRPG news? All that and more on the Eldritch Lorecast!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Luna: @Luboffin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:13 - Rascal TTRPG news
12:54 - D&D in Portuguese cut
16:45 - Candela Obscura season 4
31:46 - Tom Cardy & Dragon Friends
35:39 - Faction design
45:15 - Updating D&D lore
This week's Eldritch Lorecast reignites the Legendary Resistance debate, welcomes more 3rd party publishers to D&D Beyond, gets hyped for LEGO rumors, and charts the rise and fall of Evil Genius Games.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
James: @JamesJHaeck
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:10 - Legendary resistances
15:46 - Hasbro investor call
25:06 - Humblewood on D&D Beyond
26:51 - D&D LEGO partnership
33:06 - Rise and fall of Evil Genius Games
40:15 - No-win player choices
The D&D 2024 release schedule arrives just in time for this week's Eldritch Lorecast! We also talk Dragonlance heartbreak and how to use player-character backgrounds effectively?
Discover Surviving Strangehollow: http://get.accidentalcyclops.com/4
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
James: @JamesJHaeck
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:22 - TTRPG romance
05:47 - Dragonlance heartbreak
15:58 - D&D 2024 release schedule
22:02 - Player's Handbook 2024
25:57 - D&D Converse, LEGO, and Pop-tarts
30:28 - Surviving Strangehollow
38:05 - Foundry VTT partnership
46:03 - Using character backstories
This week's Eldritch Lorecast Unearths the last of the D&D Arcana and gets rage baited by the latest TTRPG controversies.
Express your style with 10% off at INTO THE AM: https://intotheam.com/GhostfireGaming
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Teos: @Alphastream
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:36 - Exciting 5.5e rules
10:00 - Playtest Packet 8 review
22:27 - 5.5e launch dates
28:33 - Into the AM
30:41 - Tencent & rage bait
45:35 - Between session storytelling
We announce all the 5e news from Ghostfire Gaming, review the Deck of Many Things continued production issues, and when we can expect D&D in VR?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
James: @JamesJHaeck
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:48 - 2024 gaming conventions
07:58 - Ghostfire Gaming news!
15:37 - Deck of Many Things manufacturing
21:39 - D&D VR game
31:58 - Netflix TTRPG lawsuit
33:48 - Retreating in D&D 5e?
52:39 - Cutting rules from 5.5e
57:29 - 3D printing minis
Is Nightshade the end of AI art in the TTRPG industry? How do you effectively playtest new rules you've written? What's the worst DM behavior you've put up with in your D&D game? All that, and more!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Dael: @DailyDael
Logan: @the_runesmith
Adam: @RetroArchetype
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:36 - TTRPG creator advice
09:53 - Nightshade poisons AI art
16:55 - Random House cocktails
25:33 - Bad DM behavior
40:08 - Playtesting subclasses
51:07 - Too many NPCs
This week's Eldritch Lorecast celebrates the D&D Movie winning an award, commemorates the passing of Jennell Jaquays, explores Aussie game design, and how NOT to introduce new players to 5e or TTRPG's.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:26 - Critical fumbles
07:03 - D&D Movie wins!
08:48 - Remembering Jennell Jaquays
12:35 - Ruining D&D for new players
33:21 - Aussie game design
Hot takes burn up this week's Eldritch Lorecast as the crew tackle WotC getting caught using AI Art once again, and whether the Golden Age of TTRPG's is dead as Ben Riggs predicts?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:50 - Gaming over the Break
13:21 - Congratulations MCDM
14:14 - Golden Age of TTRPGs
27:24 - WotC and AI Art... again
45:42 - Bryan Ansell Tribute
46:39 - The Clone Spell
This week we discuss integrity in the TTRPG YouTube space, choose new 5e adventures for 2024, and discuss whether the stun condition should be removed from D&D entirely?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:05 - AI Art False Accusation
09:52 - Integrity in TTRPG YouTube
14:32 - Choosing an adventure
29:55 - Max level cap
47:20 - High level campaigns
51:40 - Remove the stun condition?
Learn the entire process of publishing a TTRPG product in the industry, from game design, writing, editing, art, graphic design, project managing, and marketing your book. A special episode of The Eldritch Lorecast recorded LIVE at PAX Aus 2023.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @jamesjhaeck
Phil: @PhilBeckwithDnD
Vee: @Rocketeer_Vee
Hayley: @storybrewers
Editor: @ZsDante
We celebrate a massive year for D&D the Tabletop Roleplaying Game industry as a whole! The ups, the downs, and everything in between.
Final hours to back Enchanting Emporiums on Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
08:12 - Biggest news of 2023
18:32 - Best TTRPG release
30:01 - Best TTRPG related release
40:04 - Best Con of 2023
47:43 - Guests of the year
52:16 - Best ELC moments
After being blown away by The MCDM RPG day 1 success, the team review the 50 Years of D&D panel and all the 5e books set for release in 2024.
Support the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:27 - Most spent on crowdfunding
08:29 - The MCDM RPG
25:21 - 50 Years Of D&D panel
27:55 - Gaming at Conventions
37:43 - Quests from the Infinite Staircase
39:11 - Vecna - Eve of Ruin
41:23 - 2024 PHB & Monster Manual
48:56 - The Game Awards
55:24 - Hasbro Layoffs
Ghostfire Gaming arrives on D&D Beyond with Lairs of Etharis and Dungeons of Drakkenheim, the first 3rd party 5e content after Critical Role. We also take time to answer listener emails.
Get Lairs of Etharis on D&D Beyond:https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHMG_2023_12_114
Support the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:25 - Creating monster lairs
07:58 - Lairs of Etharis on D&D Beyond
18:00 - Describing fantasy worlds
30:20 - Keeping campaigns going
37:45 - Dragons in Grim Hollow?
Reviewing the new D&D Unearthed Arcana playtest packet 8 leads to pondering whether 5e still needs resource management and if it's better for a monk's foe to succeed against Stunning Strike?
Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:33 - Thanksgiving
04:29 - Ghostfire at PAX Unplugged
11:00 - WotC PAX Panel
13:27 - Unearthed Arcana
36:46 - D&D Movie Sequel?
40:26 - Peril in Pinebrook
47:09 - Pathfinder Core changes
56:25 - Enchanting Emporiums
This week we deep dive into 'The Seeker's Guide to Enchanting Emporiums', and why the latest 5e release 'Peril in Pinebrook' isn't for D&D players! We also discuss the application of crafting in your TTRPG campaign.
Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Logan: @the_Runesmith
Editor: @ZsDante
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Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:55 - Favorite magic items
08:14 - Enchanting Emporiums
33:43 - Peril in Pinebrook
40:27 - Deck of Many Things update
42:19 - The TTRPG acronym
47:31 - Magic item crafting
Dael and Ben argue whether the D&D Brawler should be a Fighter or a Monk subclass. We review the updates to D&D Beyond Maps, celebrate the release of Candela Obscura, and ponder how to fight god.
Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:40 - D&D Playtest packet 7
21:24 - D&D Beyond Maps
23:49 - Maps vs the 3D VTT
29:52 - AI DMing
36:10 - Candela Obscura Nexus
38:37 - Sourcebook vs adventure module
55:35 - How to fight god
This week we're talking Magic Item Shops, new Black Flag adventures from Ghostfire Gaming, why in the Nine Hells EVERYONE is talking about Chains of Asmodeus, and clues about D&D 2024's core 5e rulebooks and release slate!
Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109
Arora: We All Fall Down (Black Flag adventure):https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/458423/arora-we-all-fall-down
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:56 - Magic item shops
10:19 - The Seeker’s Guide to Enchanting Emporiums
16:17 - Ghostfire’s Black Flag adventures
25:08 - The realms of Arora
28:23 - New D&D streaming service
39:37 - Chains of Asmodeus
48:57 - D&D 2024 hints
Wizards of the Coast delays the D&D Deck of Many Things, MCDM announces their RPG Backerkit launch, and Kobold Press releases the Black Flag SRD. Meanwhile, nobody is impressed by Critical Role!?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:50 - Deck of Many Things delayed
15:30 - WotC increased revenue
20:32 - D&D arriving to schools
23:58 - MCDM RPG launch date
25:25 - Black Flag SRD
39:41 - Critical Role news roundup
45:22 - Why PC's never die anymore
Shawn reports back from Gamehole Con on the MCDM RPG, D&D Beyond launches Day 1 DLC for Planescape, the Candela Obscura draws near, and Paizo hikes its Pathfinder prices! All that Tabletop News, and more to come!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
03:32 - Gamehole Con
07:59 - MCDM RPG round 2
19:21 - Tabletop News launches
26:46 - Candela Obscura and horror RPGs
37:27 - Adventure Atlas: The Mortuary
49:45 - Paizo price hike
This week D&D returns to magazine shelves with Dungeons & Dragons Adventurer, new iconic D&D characters are possibly teased, and we return to our discussion social encounter game mechanics to decide how much crunch is the right amount.
Aberration on Gamefound: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB_2023_10_107Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Adam: @RetroArchetype
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
03:49 - New D&D Iconic Characters
12:20 - DriveThruRPG Update
18:45 - D&D Adventurer magazine
28:16 - Aberration last 48hrs
30:06 - Social encounter crunch?
42:57 - Casting spells in front of NPC’s
54:50 - New D&D celebrity liveplay
After playtesting the MCDM TTRPG at PAX Aus, Ben, Dael and James have thoughts... we also look at the Bastion system in the new D&D Unearthed Arcana playtest packet. Shawn doesn't think the sky is falling for bookstores.
Check out Aberration: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB_2023_10_106
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:42 - MCDM RPG Playtest
12:56 - Tactical Heroic Cinematic Fantasy
19:05 - MCDM dice mechanics
26:02 - Its place in the industry?
34:54 - Negotiation system
44:02 - D&D Beard oil
47:17 - UA: Bastion system
01:03:39 - WotC ends distribution contract
01:08:12 - UA: cantrips
This week the Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4 unleashes on D&D Beyond, Netflix rolls for initiative against a TTRPG publisher, and the Australians' lose their minds.
Discover Aberration here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB_2023_10_105
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Adam: @RetroArchetype
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - Favorite gaming convention?
06:03 - Find us at PAX Aus
12:50 - Evil Genius vs Netflix
27:14 - Planescape
35:14 - New fey monsters for 5e
44:42 - Aberration
46:34 - Baldur’s Gate supplement?
58:07 - Digital purchases bad for games?
Game designer Peter Lee joins the Lorecast to discuss board game development, how to use playtest feedback, and the history of his career. We also take a look the new D&D Beyond Maps and dissect some D&D sales data!
Back Aberration here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB_2023_9_104
Find Teos' blog: https://alphastream.org/index.php/2023/09/25/how-dd-sells-and-what-it-means-for-the-hobby/
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Peter: @minipete
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:24 - Favorite board games
05:59 - Peter Lee's game design career
15:28 - Aberration from concept to Gamefound
20:43 - The Great Beast of Grim Hollow
29:55 - Aberration expansions
32:54 - D&D Beyond: Maps
41:51 - Planescape
43:27 - Dissecting D&D sales data
50:56 - How to use playtest feedback
This week is look at how Baldur's Gate 3 uses initiative, celebrate Grim Hollow: The Monster Grimoire arriving on 5e Nexus, and explore implicit storytelling in TTRPG adventures.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:07 - Best way to use initiative
15:24 - D&D Beyond VTT alpha
18:35 - Roll20 buys Dungeon Scrawl
24:49 - 3rd parties on 5E Nexus
30:42 - Email about emails
31:46 - Implicit storytelling in RPGs
40:05 - Restricting monster options
59:59 - The truth about thieves guilds
Another full episode of pouring over a playtest packet for D&D 5e (2e), which raises game design questions about opportunity attacks, whether failure is good, and is D&D too "magical"?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
03:05 - D&D Playtest 7
03:41 - Counterspell
07:24 - Wildheart barbarian
12:59 - Battle Master fighter
19:27 - Opportunity attacks
22:13 - 5e 2024 design goals?
31:58 - Wild Magic sorcerer
41:14 - Mild BG3 spoiler begins
41:57 - BG3 spoiler ends
41:58 - Barbarians are magic now
47:58 - Warlock changes
We're delving below Phandelver to preview the latest D&D 5e adventure, discussing new Pathfinder classes up for playtest, and then relax with a fine drink at the Quest's End.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Omar: @OmarNajam
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
00:00 - Intro
04:38 - Phandelver & Below
11:23 - Baldur's Gate Gazetteer
14:22 - New Pathfinder classes
27:43 - Quest's End D&D whiskey
38:26 - Does 5e have too many classes?
50:40 - D&D Beyond: Before the Storm
57:05 - Time travelling campaigns?
This week we take a break from the D&D news to answer YOUR questions about TTRPGs, 3rd party publishing, game mechanics and power rangers!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Our named wizards spells
04:37 - Our power ranger colors!
06:11 - Hopes for the next 100 episodes
07:32 - Balancing companion NPCs
13:38 - Art inspiration for RPGs
21:28 - Future of 3rd party publishing
26:05 - Best idea you've never run
32:12 - Indie mechanics for D&D
37:14 - What's your favorite color?
39:50 - TTRPG industry networking
43:45 - Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood?
45:48 - What are witches hats?
46:37 - A house rule you can't live without
49:54 - When does 5e become a new game?
53:00 - Names the Lorecast almost had
D&D Beyond publishes it's first 3rd party supplement, Tal'Dorei Reborn from Darrington Press. We also review Glory of the Giants, and decide when it's okay to give players meta knowledge to make in game choices.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:59 - D&D Beyond publishing 3rd parties
22:32 - Dael's giant sized adventure
25:02 - Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
36:00 - Giving players meta knowledge
49:42 - Class design discussion
57:11 - Oath breakers in 5e
We're diving into the design of Daggerheart from Darrington Press, and just how different it is from D&D 5e. We also announce a new board game, discuss the Playtest 5 survey results, and discover why not everyone's happy with Baldur's Gate 3's success.
Discover more about Aberration: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ABB_2023_7_098
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
03:18 - Baldur's Gate 3
16:13 - Aberration: The Board Game
19:06 - D&D playtest 5 survey results
26:26 - Daggerheart preview
49:19 - Dropout back in production
50:45 - How to network at conventions
Live from Gen Con 2023 we discuss AI art infiltrating the TTRPG industry, events from the convention show floor, US pub culture vs Australian, and celebrate industry award winners.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Anthony: @AJoyce_Rivera
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:44 - Gen Con 2023
17:14 - USA vs Australia
24:33 - Diana Jones award
26:12 - AI art in Bigby's giants book
39:49 - The Ennies
46:31 - Dnd rules update... update
51:21 - Meta currencies in games
This week we dive into the mailbag to answer your D&D and TTRPG questions, including whether the Kickstarter hype cycle is killing the TTRPG industry, and whether there's a solution to challenge ratings!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - American vs Aussie slang
18:41 - Gen Con 2023
20:12 - Creating a TTRPG moment with music
28:09 - A solution to Challenge Ratings
36:23 - Is Eberron dark fantasy?
44:30 - Is Kickstarter good for the TTRPG industry?
Lots of sneak peaks this week: Matt Colville reveals design goals for the MCDM roleplaying game, Wizards of the Coast preview Planescape, and Candela Obscura announces Chapter 2!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:54 - Best incorporeal undead?
09:52 - Planescape sneak peak
22:23 - MCDM’s new game
39:45 - SAG-AFTRA & live plays
51:59 - Candela Obscura Chapter 2
54:41 - Why spell points suck
This week's Eldritch Lorecast asks the big question! Which giant is best giant? Why are psionics largely absent from D&D 5e? Is Gandalf a paladin!?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:46 - Which Giant is best?
06:39 - Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
17:01 - Mirrorscape's augmented reality
24:06 - Best one shot modules
35:44 - Class narrative archetypes
51:39 - Is Gandalf a paladin?
54:49 - Psyonics in 5e
This episode includes Baldur's Gate 3, D&D romances, and a bear! We also congratulate the Ennie Award nominees, and Smosh (finally) starts their live play game.
Check out the Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AESG_2023_6_089
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
03:22 - Aetherial Expanse leaving Kickstarter
05:51 - Ennie Award Nominations
13:04 - Romancing a Bear
16:53 - Baldur's Gate 3 Updates
21:24 - Smosh D&D Stream
33:18 - Breaking class stereotypes
The latest Unearthed Arcana drops another 5e playtest packet, prompting more conversation about D&D's goals as a game. We also give a few opinions on the latest changes.
Discover 'Arora: Age of Desolation' with new 5e exploration mechanics: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AR01_2023_7_092
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:28 - The ORC License
04:51 - D&D Playtest Packet 6
15:35 - Too much player success?
29:15 - Exhaustion & storytelling currency
39:56 - Capstones & Bards
42:00 - Druids & Monks
48:36 - Valiant playtest packet
49:25 - Changes to spell learning
Shawn Merwin, Dael Kingsmill and James Haeck hosts this episode discussing the Tales of the Valiant, how to get noticed if you plan to publish your own adventure/TTRPGs and other listener emails with our honoured guest Scott Fitzgeralt Gray!
Check out Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AESG_2023_6_089
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Scott: @scottfgray
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - Things people dont know about you
05:56 - Tales of the Valiant smashed it!
10:29 - A perfectly delivered advert
11:58 - Importance of symmetry in game design
27:21 - How will the next 10 years look like?
37:23 - Multiclassing still relevant!?
47:57 - The best way to get your work noticed
D&D Community managers Sarah Chaffee and LaTia Jacquise join the Eldritch Lorecast to chat about the spookiest monsters, playing games in public spaces, and being part of this wonderful community!
Check out Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AESG_2023_6_089
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @jamesjhaeck
Sarah: @sarahiscoffee
LaTia: @LaTiaJacquise
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:53 - Memorable game moments
09:27 - D&D Beyond Twitch
12:00 - Adventurer's League still strong
20:55 - Being part of the D&D community
25:43 - Running spooky D&D monsters
43:26 - Aetherial Expanse hype
44:58 - Mass combat advice
54:36 - Playing in public spaces
The Aetherial Expanse Kickstarter launches, the city of Baldur's Gate is finally revealed, and Jeremy Crawford predicts another 10 years of D&D 5e.
Check out Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AESG_2023_6_089
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @jamesjhaeck
Luna: @luboffin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:41 - Urban vs Wilderness campaign
08:42 - Baldur's Gate revealed
14:26 - Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide
28:17 - Ten more years of 5e?
47:20 - Are rogues a selfish class choice?
52:34 - Randomly generated dungeons
Pathfinder tries to separate itself further from D&D with a rules refresh! Teos and Adam rejoin the Lorecast to review the Pathfinder changes and answer some pressing listener emails.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Adam: @RetroArchetype
Teos: @Alphastream
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:05 - Problem with Pathfinder
09:36 - Pathfinder rules refresh
15:42 - Pathfinder removing alignment
23:46 - Changes to lineage
25:45 - New GM Core
41:41 - GM breaking the game?
51:08 - Session 0 advice
The Eldritch Lorecast dives into the Candela Obscura quickplay rules, and answers if there's been a copyright breach? Is the D&D Movie likely to get a sequel? Should we be worried about a TTRPG price rise?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:33 - Candela Obscura
19:07 - Games copyright
33:35 - D&D Movie sequel?
37:01 - 2023 D&D releases
48:35 - D&D books price rise
57:09 - Tales of the Valiant check in
59:13 - Pathfinder Nexus open beta
Blasting through the small amount of D&D and TTRPG news, we then discuss game design through the lens of writing style, flavor text vs rules text, and how to name things.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:27 - Ghostfire's going to Gen Con 2023
12:02 - Dael’s strange experience
14:31 - Latest D&D playtest video
19:19 - Other TTRPG news
20:55 - Importance of writing style
39:16 - flavor text vs rules text
51:49 - Naming characters, monsters, places
We dive into the Aetherial Expanse to explore Ghostfire Gaming's new 5e campaign setting, get hyped for Critical Role's "Candela Obscura", and a fantastic listener email plunges us into a discussion of game design theory.
Get notified when The Aetherial Expanse sets sail: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/977277590/the-aetherial-expanse-setting-guide
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:54 - Druid & Paladin playtest results
04:05 - Fables is retiring
06:27 - Aetherial Expanse: Campaign Guide
26:47 - Critical Role's Candela Obscura
31:20 - 24/7 D&D streaming channel
39:17 - Faster, Purple Worm! Kill! Kill!
43:21 - Types of play: Gamist, Narrativist, Simulationist
We celebrate the release of Misplaced Monsters for a great cause, discuss what a 3rd Party D&D Beyond marketplace would look like, and explore the multiverse!
Find your Misplaced Monsters: https://www.dndbeyond.com/marketplace/sourcebooks/misplaced-monsters-volume-one
Get updates on the Aetherial Expanse: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/977277590/the-aetherial-expanse-setting-guide
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:02 - Removing an Ability Score?
09:06 - Aetherial Expanse Tease
09:53 - D&D Community Update
16:43 - D&D Beyond 3rd party marketplace
31:01 - The next creator summit
33:00 - Misplaced Monsters for Extra Life
36:48 - Jasper's Game Week (Aus Edition)
38:25 - Eberron publisher closing down
40:48 - Adventuring in a Multiverse
54:44 - GMs role in character creation
While breaking down the latest D&D 5e playtest packet, we ponder whether classes are indeed system or content?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:56 - Spell school quiz
06:53 - Are player classes system or content?
36:05 - Reviewing the D&D playtest packet 5
55:23 - Tales of the Valiant playtest packet
01:01:07 - Pathfinder 2e refresh
We decide what should be in the new 5e DMG, before gauging our hype levels for Daggerheart and Illuminated Worlds from Darrington Press!Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDael Shawn: @shawnmerwinMike: SupergeekMike Editor: ZsDante Topics:00:00 - Intro04:24 - When to call in the Pinkertons13:54 - 2024 Dungeon Masters Guide sneak peak40:49 - Word's largest D&D game44:30 - Matt Mercer's Dimension 20 campaign49:01 - Critical Role announces their own TTRPG
This week Adam Carnevale ("D&D is for Nerds") gives us his best D&D puzzle ideas, we ponder the roll out of 5.5e on D&D Beyond, and celebrate Marisha Ray's amazing throw down at Creator Clash 2.Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comDiscover "D&D is for Nerds": https://www.sanspantsradio.com/podcasts/dd-is-for-nerds/Ben: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDael Shawn: @shawnmerwinAdam: @RetroArchetypeEditor: @ZsDante Topics:00:00 - Intro01:14 - Naming the D&D 5e rules refresh06:11 - Rollout of the 5e rules refresh14:47 - Future of D&D live plays post 5.5e20:58 - Should the GM roll every dice?29:16 - Marisha Ray at Creator Clash 237:57 - TTRPGs that influence our game design50:10 - Do puzzles suck in TTRPGs?
Teos Abadia reports from the field at the D&D Creator Summit, where tensions got a little heated as the future of 5e was revealed! Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeckTeos: @Alphastream Editor: ZsDante Topics:00:00 - Intro
04:56 - D&D Creator Summit recap
06:43 - Mismatched expectations
15:40 - D&D VTT hands on
41:31 - Tales of the Valiant
43:43 - Reviewing the ORC first draft
59:30 - D&D 5e rules revision for 2024
All the news from the D&D Direct is dissected while a Ghostfire spy feeds us information from the Digital D&D Creator Summit! Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor: ZsDante Topics:00:00 - Intro05:07 - Honor Among Thieves review (No Spoilers!)06:41 - D&D Direct07:42 - Minecraft x D&D DLC13:06 - Hasbro toy showcase14:09 - MTG movie secret lair16:00 - Neverwinter: Menzoberranzan17:49 - Wizkid's mimic and baby owlbear25:09 - D&D VTT discussion47:54 - Upcoming WotC book releases
Timely as always, this week's episode predicts the D&D Direct event only hours before it goes live! We ponder what the core books of One D&D might look like, and the give advice to folks starting out as game designers.Email the podcast: podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor: @ZsDante Topics:00:00 - Intro02:56 - Pre D&D Direct predictions14:15 - What will One D&D core books look like?35:20 - D&D Coffee Club41:57 - Getting started as a game designer
We scrutinize the second Project: Black Flag playtest packet from Kobold Press, finally get some insight from the One D&D survey results, and ponder how a GM can 'humble' troublesome players.Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor: ZsDante Topics:00:00 - Intro05:25 - Black Flag playtest packet 230:14 - One D&D survey results40:18 - Chaosium announce Basic Roleplaying Universal Game Engine42:05 - Till the Last Gasp and competitive roleplaying46:45 - "Humbling" players and campaign setbacks
Some thoughts on the D&D Content Creator Summit, Wizard of the Coast's apparent strategy for the community moving forward, and how to DM climactic boss encounters! Meanwhile Ben and Dael got to see Honor Among Thieves a little early.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Join the Valikan Clans Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:00 - Honor Among Thieves first reactions (spoiler free)
09:06 - WotC's community update
26:50 - D&D Content Creator Summit
41:37 - Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel nominated for a Nebula Award
43:06 - Valikan Clans final days on Kickstarter
46:50 - How to DM climactic boss battles in D&D
'Tabletop News' producer Adam Rady joins the Lorecast to discuss the state of news and entertainment in the TTRPG industry! Also, did the characters' stats from Honor Among Thieves spoil the D&D movie?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Join the Valikan Clans Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069
Follow Tabletop News: https://twitter.com/watchtabletop
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Adam: @HatlessWizard
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:40 - 1 Must Die: TTRPG's, card games, board games, war games?
06:00 - The new home of Tabletop News
29:00 - Titancraft miniature maker
37:00 - D&D Movie character sheets and fan theorizing
43:30 - Black Flag playtest packet 2 sneak peak
53:00 - Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans raiding
The ardling exits stage right while the Druid and Paladin receive the One D&D playtest treatment! We dash through the Dimension 20 and Baldur's Gate news before diving deep into the Unearthed Arcana.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Join the Valikan Clans Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:36 - Physical vs digital dice
09:53 - Matt Mercer will DM Dimension 20
10:11 - Baldur's Gate 3 release date
16:11 - Wizkids' life size mimic
19:49 - Valikan Clans kickstarter continues
20:57 - One D&D playtest review: Druid and Paladin
50:18 - Teaching new TTRPGs to your group
We look over the TTRPG news of the week before answering a host of listener questions! How easy is it to convert 5e adventures to other systems, like Pathfinder? How can you surprise a player who's read the adventure module your running? What else can we share from Australian culture?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Discover Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:58 - D&D Movie sneak peak
08:57 - 5e Nexus and Sly Flourish 's take on D&D Beyond
18:44 - Keys from the Golden Vault launches... sorta?
20:27 - A new Tabletop News program announced!
26:24 - Legends of Vox Machina Season 2 wrap up (spoilers!!)
29:24 - Porting 5e adventures to other systems
49:50 - Surprising players who know the adventure module
56:10 - James and Shawn mispronounce 'Pass the Parcel'
This week we start by launching Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans, the latest 5e Kickstarter from Ghostfire Gaming! Then we're reviewing Kobold Presses first playtest packet for Black Flag.
Raid and sail in Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Scott: @scottfgray
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:26 - A mechanic you'd add to 5e
12:11 - Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans
13:46 - Saga of the Seasons adventure module
20:22 - The Raiders Guide to Valika & freeform character building
32:59 - The lore of the clans
37:31 - Introducing raiding mechanics to 5e
43:07 - Black Flag playtest feedback
This week we review the Kyle Brink interview over on 3 Black Halflings, discuss the fracturing of D&D 5e into multiple successor games, glimpse the reality of a digital future, and catch up once more on The Legend of Vox Machina!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Become an Agent of the Empire: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB03_2023_2_071
Discover Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:53 - 'Worst NPC name' stories
06:28 - Fables: Agents of the Empire - Episode 2
11:38 - Kyle Brink interviewed by 3 Black Halflings
24:32 - D&D Beyond service interruptions
30:01 - Is Project: Black Flag closer to 5.5e than a new system?
46:13 - The Legend of Vox Machina Season 2 check in
49:13 - Vox Machina Spoiler warning
57:35 - Vox Machina Spoilers end
The OGL wars are over, with Wizards of the Coast reverting to 1.0a and releasing the entire SRD 5.1 to Creative Commons. What does this mean for the future of Black Flag and One D&D? We also fire through the copious Critical Role news this week in order of importance!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Get updates on Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Luna: @luboffin
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Meaningful TTRPG character moments
07:30 - SRD 5.1 is now under Creative Commons
23:40 - Hasbro layoffs
26:52 - 'Keys from the Golden Vault' cover revealed
31:52 - Marisha Ray joins Creator Clash 2
38:09 - Mighty Nein animated series announced!
48:15 - The Legend of Vox Machina Season 2 check in
51:04 - Vox Machina Spoiler warning
01:02:14 - Vox Machina Spoilers end
This week is a deep dive into the D&D OGL 1.2, as we consider our responses to the survey. The Legend of Vox Machina Season 2 also kicks off and we find out WTF is up with Fishblade?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Get updates on Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Worst NPC names
07:22 - OGL 1.2 in depth breakdown
37:34 - 'The Legend of Vox Machina' Season 2
47:38 - The Legend of Vox Machina spoilers start!
52:15 - Spoilers end
52:29 - Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans update
53:42 - WTF is Fishblade?
This week we reflect on the OGL leaks and all of the fallout since. We also celebrate our 3rd Party Publisher friends and discuss Ghostfire's future plans with 5e. Are you looking forward to the D&D TV show?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ghostfire Gaming's statement: https://ghostfiregaming.com/blog/forging-our-future/
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:19 - Favorite 3rd Party 5e supplement?
08:01 - Reflecting on all the OGL news
20:21 - 3rd Party Publishers announce future plans
32:21 - D&D TV show being produced for Paramount+
45:29 - Using riddles well in a TTRPG campaign?
58:06 - Dael's riddle
This week we start by addressing the OGL elephant in the room before diving into the fun of #dungeon23. We also experiment with Chat GPT applications in game design and learn more than intended about the Realm of Shadow!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Didn't back Quest-O-Nomicon? No problem, check it out here - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_XPQN_2023_1_067
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:29 - Ghostfire's response to the OGL news
07:47 - Quest-O-Nomicon fulfilment
08:52 - #Dungeon23
27:57 - Lego Ideas D&D winner
30:33 - What is the Realm of Shadow?
40:54 - Chat GPT and AI adventure writing
57:00 - Hiding your inspiration in your adventures
We spill what Ghostfire Gaming has planned for 2023, ponder about D&D 5th and 6th Editions in the coming year, and set our New Year's resolutions!
Accept your first mission in Fables: Agents of the Empire here - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB03_2023_1_066
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - New year's resolutions
05:48 - Fables 3: Agents of the Empire
17:56 - Grim Hollow: Raiders Guide to Valika
35:40 - Ghostfire Gaming 2023 further sneak peak
38:16 - D&D releases and Wizards of the Coast in 2023
We look back on the highlights of 2022 in the D&D and TTRPG industry, and reflect on the first full year of the Eldritch Lorecast! Help us celebrate with the most prestigious of award ceremonies, the Elly TTRPG Awards!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:36 - The naming of the awards!
04:20 - "Let Me Tell You About My Character" Award (TTRPG highlights)
09:39 - "Tavern Rumors" Award (Biggest news of the year)
16:07 - "Oh no, a Trap!" Award (Worst news of the year)
29:25 - "Recovered Treasure" Award (Best TTRPG product of the year)
41:14 - "Imagination Manifest" Award (Best artwork)
45:35 - "Vivid World Descriptions" Award (Best cinematic trailer)
47:45 - "Can I Play, too?" Award (Thanks to all our guests for the year!)
50:43 - "Thanks for the Memories" Award (Eldritch Lorecast 2022 highlights)
This week we dig into The Legend of Vox Machina Season 2 trailer, including the episode list and season predictions! The rest of the podcast is devoted to answering listener emails about Ardlings in D&D 6e, and whether power creep is ruining 5e?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:49 - The Lorecast's evil minions!
05:23 - Breaking Down 'The Legend of Vox Machina' S2 trailer
16:25 - Henry Cavill's future in the 41st Millennium
18:34 - Will the Goliath or Ardling be in a 6e PHB?
31:11 - How D&D reinvents monsters from mythology!
46:48 - Is player-character power creep ruining 5e?
Wizards of the Coast have a plan to better "monetize" the D&D brand, which we discuss with only a pinch of cynicism. The Lorecast also celebrates a release window for Baldur's Gate 3, and gives a sneak peak into Ghostfire Gaming's next Fable, Agents of the Empire!
Learn more about 'Fables: Agents of the Empire': https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB03_2022_12_063
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Joe Raso: @_Joe_Raso
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:42 - Sneak Peak - Fables: Agents of the Empire
20:36 - Baldur's Gate 3 release window announced
26:06 - Wizard's plan to "monetize" D&D
44:15 - One D&D playtest survey results
58:31 - Introducing PCs narratively into your campaign
The latest One D&D Unearthed Arcana playtest packet is here! It arrives with changes to the Cleric class, revisions to Ardlings, Goliaths, and Dragonborn, and Wizards of the Coast changing 'race' to 'species' in the future of D&D. All that and more, right now!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Luna: @Luboffin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:36 - What cleric is best cleric
04:42 - Honor Among Thieves update
07:49 - New Dragonlance themed monstrous compendium
15:38 - The One D&D Cleric
16:54 - Rules standardization
22:36 - Suggested player choices
29:31 - What is a 'Magic Action'!?
37:55 - Ardling improvements
49:50 - Is "Species" better terminology than "Race"?
01:05:25 - One D&D review lightning round
This week's onslaught of 5e news includes 'Citadel of the Unseen Sun' getting a physical release, a popular D&D adventure re-re-releasing, and a debate about who owns a D&D campaign world off the back of Keith Baker releasing his own 'Chronicles of Eberron' book!
Discover the 'Citadel of the Unseen Sun': https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB01_2022_11_061
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:30 - 'Citadel of the Unseen Sun' physical release
20:11 - Drawing inspiration from published adventures
27:57 - LEGO ideas D&D finalists announced
34:02 - Tyranny of Dragons re-re-release
39:56 - Chronicles of Eberron & Who owns a fantasy setting!?
Amy Dallen from D&D Beyond and Phil Beckwith from Ghostfire Gaming jump aboard this week's episode for a final Dragonlance preview! Dael's jacket doesn't have pockets and Ben's positively buzzing.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Amy: @enthusiamy
Phil: @PhilBeckwithDnD
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:42 - Dael's pockets
01:28 - Which monster is most underused?
06:08 - Which dragon is best dragon?
09:31 - Dragonlance final preview!
23:09 - Wizard's responds to the OGL and SRD rumors
24:09 - Introducing D&D to your family
36:34 - Honor Among Thieves minis & plushies
40:33 - Favorite non-D&D supplements?
48:29 - Pacing your TTRPG campaign.
Will One D&D spell the end of 5e publishers like Ghostfire Gaming or MCDM? This week we clarify some misinformation about how the Open Game License works for 3rd party publishers, with the help of special guest Gabe Hicks!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Gabe: @GabeJamesGames
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:47 - Favourite 3rd Party 5e Supplements?
07:00 - Ben's books were slanted...
07:23 - The Session Zero System
17:10 - Is One D&D the end of 3rd party publishing?
46:17 - Dragonlance & Warriors of Krynn Preview
With Twitter catching fire under new management, the crew discuss what this means for D&D and the TTRPG industry. We then learn the true tale of a real life D&D artifact, and how to approach publishers as an independent creator!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Favorite social media platform for TTRPGs
08:37 - Performative vs productive social media habits
21:28 - The future of Twitter and the TTRPG industry
42:00 - "Honor Among Thieves" delayed
44:13 - The legend of the 'Martin Map'
50:03 - Approach TTRPG publishers as an independent creator.
The crew all get dressed up for Halloween this week to explore some of our spookiest D&D adventure ideas to send shivers down your spine! We also touch on the news of the week with the Dragonlance preview, the latest D&D toys; Dicelings, and Henry Cavill leaving The Witcher.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Halloween costumes!
02:18 - Dragonlance preview
06:18 - Lunar magic and the moons of Exandria
11:47 - Dicelings
16:15 - Henry Cavill leaves The Witcher :'-(
20:55 - Halloween adventure ideas
43:56 - Enhancing the atmosphere of your TTRPG session
59:51 - House rules we always use for 5e
With fans anxious about the digital future of D&D, a surprise departure from Wizard's of the Coast could provide hints about where things are headed. The team also talk objective-based combat encounters and organising GM prep notes.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:01 - Favorite beholder eye ray?
04:54 - James' appearing at Big Bad Con
08:24 - The Lorecast attending conventions
12:44 - Ray Winninger departs Wizards of the Coast
22:38 - Is One D&D replacing DMs with computers?
39:09 - Crafting combat win conditions
54:28 - Organizing your DM preparation and adventure notes
Are video games the future of D&D's financial success? Would you watch a documentary featuring celebrities gushing about D&D's history? Do complex rules make it harder to tell good stories? All that and more, now!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:42 - James Haeck has not seen a wombat
02:29 - Your favorite D&D outer plane?
07:44 - D&D's video game news
20:14 - What do you want to see in a D&D videogame?
25:25 - Joe Manganiello's D&D documentary
35:24 - Does rules crunch hinder storytelling?
50:25 - Shawn's going to Gamehole Con
53:50 - Magic items in One D&D
The Legend of Vox Machina previews Season 2, D&D teams up with LEGO, prequal novels to 'Honor Among Thieves' are announced, and Ghostfire Gaming teases the future of Grim Hollow! All that and more, right now.
The Monster Hunter class: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ALL1_2022_10_919
Playtest survey: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ALL1_2022_10_920
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:04 - What is your GM setup like?
07:25 - Citadel of the Unseen Sun physical edition
15:03 - The future of Grim Hollow is cold
22:15 - The monster hunter class playtest
31:22 - Dungeons & Dragons LEGO crossover
39:27 - 'Honor Among Thieves' prequal novels
49:15 - 'The Legend of Vox Machina' season 2 preview
58:01 - Wizards of the Coast's new hire points further at a digital future
We're breaking down the latest One D&D release including Expert Classes, Feats & Spell lists. Sly Flourish joins us to speculate on the difficult position Wizards of the Coast may be finding themselves in, and is Dungeons & Dragons' future digital?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Sly Flourish and all the Lazy Dungeon Master's content can be found over on SlyFlourish.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:47 - Advantages of playing TTRPGs online?
07:42 - Latest One D&D Unearthed Arcana
10:51 - Have feats become fundamental?
18:46 - Class suggested spells
22:47 - Arcane, Divine, and Primal spell lists
26:55 - Dissecting the expert classes
32:05 - Is Wizards of the Coast in trouble?
39:57 - Will One D&D rely more on apps and technology?
56:35 - Are upcoming 5e books still relevant?
01:02:23 - Effectiveness of public playtesting
01:07:38 - The VTT in the room...
Design your own campaign spanning mega dungeon with these handy tips! Wizards of the Coast introduce an after school program, the crew lament directional dungeon doors, and we ponder whether to subscribe to a TTRPG streaming service.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Take a gander at https://www.dragont4c.com/ streaming service.
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:00 - A TTRPG streaming service
18:22 - Wizards of the Coast offer after school programs
31:10 - Building Mega Dungeons!!
47:45 - Dungeon doors and when to say 'no' to players
54:13 - Varied currencies in a TTRPG
Recent events on Critical Role has everyone discussing when and how a Total Party Kill (TPK) happens, and how to handle it as a player and a GM.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:24 - Being part of a TPK
05:33 - How to handle TPKs
10:37 - Potential spoilers for Critical Role starts
11:37 - Spoilers over
17:55 - GM intervention to avoid player-character death
29:44 - The rings of power we have at home
36:02 - Physical props in TTRGs
43:12 - What is your favorite part creating games?
58:17 - Is "Common" a boring language?
The Dungeon Dudes return to the Eldritch Lorecast once again as "Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim", their second Kickstarter is finishing soon! We touch on a bit of Monty Python, talk about the Dungeons of Drakkenheim show and its sequel, and workshop some minigames to learn a language in-game!
Follow "Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim" Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_SCGD_2022_7_043
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/7CJU7b5GYB
James: @jameshaeck
Dael: @DailyDael
Monty: @montycmartin
Kelly: @KaiInRealLife
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:22 - James hosting
01:54 - Monty Python RPG - What would you put in it?
06:06 - What is Drakkenheim? - Discussion with the Dungeon Dudes
18:23 - Favourite parts of Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim
33:14 - Minigames to learn an in-game language
43:50 - Telling the players the DC of checks or AC of monsters
We're dissecting One D&D further in response to the playtest survey on D&D Beyond, which launches into a massive chat about how the game could better support the exploration and social pillars of play, for 5e and in future!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:39 - How to start a D&D Campaign
09:08 - We're going to PAX Aus!!
13:13 - Responding to One D&D's playtest survey
26:05 - Feats for exploration and social encounters
37:14 - Bringing back the exploration pillar
We discuss our expectations of Dungeons & Dragons' 2023 release schedule, prompting discussions about heist adventures, the deck of many things, and rediscovering Planescape!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Check out Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_SCGD_2022_8_046
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:59 - The module that defined 5th Edition
08:58 - Keys From the Golden Vault & heist adventures
24:27 - Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
36:25 - The Phandelver Campaign
39:19 - The Book of Many Things
46:40 - Planescape
57:04 - Using sound effects during game sessions
This week we're taking a deep dive into the One D&D Unearthed Arcana, closely examining the D&D Beyond VTT announcement, and asking what all this news means for the TTRPG industry?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:09 - Spelljammer impressions
08:39 - Beings From Beyond the Horizon
11:45 - Start of One D&D discussion
17:31 - Wizards of the Coast's VTT
32:36 - Is One D&D a "new" edition?
47:58 - Community feedback into rules design
01:04:25 - New critical hit rules
01:06:11 - Will there ever be an official D&D Beyond integration?
01:08:17 - New grappling rules
01:10:47 - New categories of spells
We pontificate further about what we'd like to see in D&D 5.5e, "Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim" gets funded in 3 minutes, and our expert panelists break down the art of running one shots!
Check out Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_SCGD_2022_8_046
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Your "Go To" one-shot adventure
07:41 - Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim is LIVE!
15:49 - Sly Flourish predictions for the next edition of D&D
40:17 - Spells and movement on the grid vs theatre of the mind
47:43 - The art of running one-shot adventures
We're joined by Matt Colville to reflect on the past and present of D&D to predict the future of the world's most popular roleplaying game! The Lorecast graduates to it's own YouTube channel and we congratulate James Haeck alongside his fellow ENNIE award winners.
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Matt: @mattcolville
00:00 - "Fixing" rules from D&D 5e
15:42 - The Eldritch Lorecast graduates to its own YouTube channel
17:43 - 'Wizard Presents' predictions
22:26 - The legacy of 4e and discussing the OGL
34:54 - Is 5e starting to bloat?
53:58 - ENNIE award winners! (Congratulations James!!)
James and Shawn return in time to pick apart the D&D movie trailer and give their opinion on Owlbear-gate. Speaking of monsters, we answer a YouTube listener question about running 'monster of the week' style campaigns.
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/7CJU7b5GYB
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:58 - Older D&D movies
08:01 - Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse episode 2
11:45 - New 5e starter kit: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
19:04 - R Talsorian Games supporting The Witcher TTRPG
20:55 - 'Honor Among Thieves' hype and expectations
41:33 - How to run 'monster of the week' style campaigns
The Dungeon Dudes return to the Eldritch Lorecast with "Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim", their second Kickstarter! We weigh in on the Owlbear vs wild shape debate while geeking out over the 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' trailer!
Follow "Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim" Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_SCGD_2022_7_043
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/7CJU7b5GYB
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
Monty: @montycmartin
Kelly: @KaiInRealLife
Topics:
00:00 - Wild shaping into an Owlbear?
05:51 - Remember Animorphs?
09:12 - Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim
22:04 - The Apothecary miniature
30:28 - New tool based feats
40:48 - The Dungeon Dudes second Kickstarter
54:08 - Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
A new Unearthed Arcana arrives halfway through recording and we marvel at the Wonders of the Multiverse! There's speculation over the Roll20 and OneBookShelf merger, anticipation for the "next versions" of the D&D core books, and time for a snack!
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/7CJU7b5GYB
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:19 - Roll20 and OneBookShelf (DMs Guild) merging togehter!
16:58 - Unearthed Arcana: Wonders of the Multiverse
21:37 - Are feats balanced well in 5e?
32:29 - Dael derails the podcast
33:51 - D&D's next edition is on the way!
35:39 - Games Workshop's fashionable accessories
38:04 - How a GM should reflect on mistakes and lessons learned
We break news with Spelljammer Academy releasing free on D&D Beyond, celebrate the announcement of the ENNIE award nominations with nominee James Haeck, and think up questions to ask players during character creation!
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/7CJU7b5GYB
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:56 - How to use exposition without boring your players!
19:18 - Spelljammer Academy is a free on D&D Beyond
26:41 - ENNIE awards nominations announce
35:56 - God of War 5 includes TTRPG dice in its collectors edition
42:02 - D&D breakfast bowl discussion pt. 2
42:58 - Favourite questions for character creation
We celebrate the launch of Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse, dissect the news about DM's Guild partnering with Roll20, and congratulate celebrated RPG 'Alice is Missing' receiving a movie deal!
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Find out more about 'Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse' here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB02_2022_7_040
Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/7CJU7b5GYB
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse
04:10 - New player races from the Aetherial Expanse
21:00 - DM's Guild and Roll20 partnership
31:48 - 'Vampire: The Masquerade Nexus' early access
36:10 - Roleplaying on virtual tabletops
45:19 - 'Alice is Missing' RPG gets a Paramount movie deal
54:26 - 'D&D Onslaught' delayed
We consider TTRPG's digital future with D&D Beyond releasing of the first chapter from Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel free. Ben geek's out over a D&D themed breakfast, James listens to the official Critical Role album, Shawn talks marketing strategies, and Dael judges the transitions.
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Follow us on Twitch for live episode recordings (Monday, 7pm EDT):
https://www.twitch.tv/ghostfire_official
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:18 - Transformations and monstrous player-characters
14:15 - Radiant Citadel's first chapter free on D&D Beyond
22:09 - The future of digital only TTRPG material
37:33 - Eat breakfast right with the official D&D crockery set!
42:37 - Scanlan Shorthalt music
47:45 - How to manage time travel in your adventures
How high have you levelled up playing D&D 5e? Is it better to be a creative story writer or game mechanic engineer when writing for TTRPG's? Why is goodberry just the worst!? The answers to all these questions and more awaits!
Email YOUR questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Follow us on Twitch for live episode recordings (Monday, 7pm EDT):
https://www.twitch.tv/ghostfire_official
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Ben's "sick" intros
00:28 - What Level 20 character would you bring against Vecna?
15:00 - High level characters and campaigns
19:00 - The Eldritch Lorecast is now on Twitch
20:00 - The Arora Kickstarter is over!
22:00 - Game developer advice and resources
32:00 - Fixing goodberry and other game breaking spells
42:00 - Exploring morality in TTRPG's
UPDATE: We forgot to mention the day we're streaming the Lorecast! Monday 7pm EDT / Monday 4pm PDT / Tuesday 9am AEDT
We deep dive into the Vecna dossier and recap the history of D&D's most infamous lich! We also explore the contribution Stranger Things has had on D&D's popularity and it's representation of the satanic panic. And of course a listener email!
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Last chance to back Arora: Age of Desolation on Kickstarted here:
https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AR01_2022_6_037
Follow us on Twitch for live episode recordings (Monday, 7pm EDT):
https://www.twitch.tv/ghostfire_official
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:18 - Early GMing mistakes we learned from
05:55 - The Eldritch Lorecast coming to Twitch
08:05 - The Arora Kickstarter is almost over!
10:35 - Vecna dossier
27:22 - Stranger Things impact on D&D
33:08 - Stranger Things and the Satanic Panic
35:18 - The Matt Mercer Effect and theatrical GMing
39:53 - The GM's fun matters
45:28 - Better session starts and session recaps
The Critical Role extended universe is expanded by the impending release of "The Nine Eyes of Lucien", we speculate about monster themed supplements, and ponder the influence of Stranger Things on D&D.
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Check out Shawn's campaign setting Arora: Age of Desolation, being Kickstarted here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AR01_2022_6_036
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - What's so great about dragons?
03:57 - "The Nine Eyes of Lucien" and the Critical Role extended universe
19:35 - Monster themed supplements (Giants and Undead)
22:20 - More alternatives to rolling for initiative
34:42 - Stranger Things influence and Vecna
44:39 - Playing D&D with children and mixed age groups
We're dissecting the giant feats and subclasses offered in Unearthed Arcana, revisiting Monsters of the Multiverse to discuss the changes to player races, and special guest Joe Raso joins us to chat more Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse!
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Find out more about 'Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse' here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB02_2022_6_035
Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/7CJU7b5GYB
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Joe: @_Joe_Raso
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:50 - Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse TRAILER
08:43 - Unearthed Arcana: Giants
17:14 - Player races in Monsters of the Multiverse
35:11 - Should D&D campaigns limit source books for player-characters?
44:34 - Communication between players is key
49:32 - What homebrew worlds lack for players
This week we review the changes in Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse, provide a sneak preview of Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse, briefly touch on the issues around Dark Souls TTRPG, and answer a bunch of listener emails!
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Find out more about 'Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse' here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB02_2022_5_034
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:42 - Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse
08:27 - Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
19:53 - Adventurers League adopting Mordenkainen's changes
22:20 - More alternatives to rolling for initiative
34:42 - The Dark Souls TTRPG
44:42 - Critical Role's Flexible Positional Superiority
50:00 - What makes your homebrew settings worth publishing?
Arora: Age of Desolation has arrived, and Shawn is here to unleash all the details about his beloved project! Unfortunately shardscale has started infecting Ben's microphone this week, resulting in a very slight audio quality dip.
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Pledge to survive 'Arora: Age of Desolation' here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AR01_2022_5_033
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:23 - Shawn details all in 'Arora: Age of Desolation'
33:18 - D&D Beyond pulls Volo's and Mordenkainen's from sale
56:44 - Acquisitions Inc. and Lost Mines of Phandelver Free on D&D Beyond
This week a geyser of new D&D miniatures from Wizkids rains down upon us and sparks a conversation about battle maps vs theatre of the mind. Shawn teases Arora: Age of Desolation, and Ben invents his best segues yet.
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Discover more about Arora: Age of Desolation here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AR01_2022_5_032
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:42 - 'Arora: Age of Desolation' teaser
07:25 - New Wizkids miniatures for Spelljammers and Bells Hells
11:35 - Theatre of the mind vs miniatures and battle maps
19:56 - Do you plan sessions entirely around minis?
31:28 - Should GMs delegate tasks to players?
49:04 - Capturing a specific genre or tone to your campaign
This week we try to break some news, pondering whether a 'Metaverse' is coming for 5e which could include third party campaign settings? James is as excited as ever for Episode 5 of Fables, and Dael teaches us the word skeumorphism.
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Check out the latest episode of Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun here:
https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB01_2022_5_031
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:14 - Fables, Episode 5: City of Decadence
04:58 - Urban D&D Adventures
12:48 - Is a D&D 5e 'Metaverse' coming?
22:41 - Colbert's new adventure, legacy media, and Skeumorphism
28:26 - Does party composition matter?
43:15 - Running sophisticated social encounters in 5e
We dive deep into the Dungeons & Dragons news from D&D Direct, including Spelljammer, Dragonlance, Baldur's Gate, campaign cases and more! Plus we dissect the implications (good and bad) of Wizards of the Coast purchasing D&D Beyond!
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Check out Ghostfire Gaming's website here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ALL1_2022_4_030
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
07:35 - D&D Beyond acquired by Wizards of the Coast
20:34 - Goon balloon
22:02 - D&D Beyond data in WotC hands
26:40 - Will D&D become more complex with digital tools?
28:29 - Videogamification of D&D
37:51 - D&D Direct (Spelljammer)
54:51 - Rapid fire D&D Direct roundup
This week's episode of The Eldritch Lorecast is a deep dive into our mail bag, answering questions about party followers, sidekicks and familiars, D&D as an educational tool, and could you run Bridgerton as a 5e adventure?
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Check out Ghostfire Gaming's website here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ALL1_2022_4_029
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:29 - Are party followers ever a good idea?
13:44 - Run party followers your players won't hate
37:00 - D&D and TTRPGs as educational tools?
47:45 - Bridgerton style D&D adventures
This week's news is Hasbro's stealth announcement of a new D&D starter adventure, 'Dragons of Shipwreck Cove', and the next chapter of Fables is revealed to be more open world! James is inspired by The Legend of Zelda, Dael rolls for initiative against a giant spider, Shawn recounts more of 5e's beginnings, and Ben doesn't like Skyrim.
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:17 - Dael's battle with Australian fauna
01:18 - Our first D&D 5e Adventures
07:28 - New D&D 5e starter box: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
22:49 - Fables Episode 4: Land of Despair
35:20 - Zelda dungeons are fantastic for TTRPG design!
43:57 - Designing adventures: is everything a dungeon?
52:34 - Game design ideas and resources
It's no April Fool's joke, Paizo are publishing a Pathfinder module as a 5th Edition adventure! Meanwhile WizKids are making a skirmish wargame with D&D: Onslaught. Dael brings her Golarion expertise, Shawn fears the reality-slayer-sword, James is gaga-googly eyes, and Ben lets his wargamer flag fly!
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:40 - Paizo releasing a Pathfinder module for D&D 5e!
20:15 - Should other TTRPG publishers release 5e supplements?
27:03 - 'Dungeons & Dragons: Onslaught' is announced!
33:11 - Wargames vs roleplaying games
44:09 - Encouraging player-characters to explore your campaign world
This week we're hyped for 'Arora: Age of Desolation', 'Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel', and Stephen Colbert teaming up with Critical Role again in April! Dael and James reminisce over their favorite Crit Role guest stars, Shawn gives sneaky clues about his new campaign world, and Ben turns EVERY game into an rpg.
Discover 'Arora: Age of Desolation': https://ghostfiregaming.com/arora/
Help Choose Stephen's Adventure (Again): https://tiltify.com/@criticalrole/choose-stephen-colberts-adventure-again
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
07:37 - Arora: Age of Desolation
14:07 - Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel
20:34 - Stephen Colbert teaming up with Critical Role
30:48 - Critical Role vs Legacy Media
36:27 - Introducing "Normies" to TTRPGs
43:29 - The Legacy of Dungeons & Dragons
52:51 - Incorporating other hobbies into your D&D game
This week we get hyped for the Dungeons & Dragons movie with Chris Pine and Hugh Grant, and debate whether it feels good to level up in 5e. Ben just keeps his players at level 1, Dael is kinder to leveling than she's been in the past, James is on Witcher Watch this week, and Shawn is glad it's not like earlier editions.
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:00 - The upcoming D&D movie!
15:10 - Is Hugh Grant villainous enough?
20:47 - What kind of adventure will the D&D movie be?
22:25 - Leveling up in D&D 5e
29:39 - Milestone vs XP - which is better?
45:13 - Leveling system in Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun
50:34 - Defining what spells are "legal" in your campaign
This week we dive deep into Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep, discussing Critical Role Easter eggs, rival parties, and what we're most excited for! James and Shawn give insight into working in the TTRPG industry, and Dael doesn't think that's how lunar magic works while Ben crosses his arms in thoughtful disagreement.
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:34 - Working on D&D adventure books and other industry insights
17:08 - What comes first? The stat block or the artwork?
22:19 - Diving into Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep!
31:54 - Tearing apart Unearthed Arcana: Heroes of Krynn
46:36 - Dael is unsatisfied by lunar magic
01:01:49 - Thank you and farewell to Rob, our editor!
We spend this week's podcast exploring our favorite D&D campaign settings and answering listener questions! We chat about player races, NPCs, and whether Saving Throws are redundant?
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ghostfire Gaming Discord: https://discord.gg/QamRfm8d2A
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
Logan: @the_runesmith
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Favorite D&D campaign settings
14:17 - World building with the Microscope RPG
21:09 - Should the DM disallow specific player races?
30:53 - Adding stats to your NPCS
49:14 - Are Saving Throws redundant?
01:00:12 - More Australian cuisine
This week we finally deep dive into The Legend of Vox Machina!! We also discuss how Liveplays are changing and what makes one worth watching?
Email questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:00 - Re-capping The Legend of Vox Machina
15:30 - Is Legend of Vox Machina good at translating D&D?
24:02 - Swearing in Vox Machina
34:26 - Deborah Ann Woll and Children of Éarte
37:48 - What makes a good liveplay?
51:51 - Dael dismantles the concept of "cringe"
57:04 - The most effort you've gone to as a GM?
This week Jim Davis from @Web DM joins the Eldritch Lorecast to help us learn from past editions of Dungeons & Dragons and brew house rules together from what we discover!
Email: podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Jim: @therealjimdavis
Check out Weird Wastelands: https://weird-wastelands.backerkit.com/
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
07:33 - Web DM & Weird Wastelands
18:10 - Learning from past editions of D&D
30:31 - Alternative ideas for rolling initiative
51:57 - Does a fireball destroy character equipment?
We dirty our souls discussing exactly why NFTs are terrible for the TTRPG industry, and then dive into listener email questions about DnD homebrew mechanics and house rules.
Email: podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Favorite House Rules
11:24 - Why NFTs Are TERRIBLE for the TTRPG Industry!
27:01 - Alternative Exhaustion Mechanics
43:00 - Balancing House Rules & Homebrew
Runesmith returns once more to dive even deeper into the Sunken Isles, their new 5e adventure module. We explore the monster statblocks, including the mighty Shrimp Lord! Dael still hasn't seen The Legend of Vox Machina, James explores 5e condition mechanics, and Ben gushes about violent dragon attacks!
Back the Sunken Isles Kickstarter now!
Discover more about Purple Mai'a here.
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Logan: @the_runesmith
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
08:43 - Runesmith on the Sunken Isles
12:21 - Monster Stat Blocks
18:57 - Sunken Isles Inspiration
24:30 - Stretch Goals
32:40 - Legends of Vox Machina Weekly Check-in
35:42 - Drawing Inspiration from Fantasy Television
46:55 - Email Question: Expanding on 5e Conditions
This week James returns to help us celebrate a dice bag's worth of TTRPG news! Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun's second episode arrives, Tal'Dorei is Reborn, and we discuss Scanlan's [censored] on The Legend of Vox Machina.
Check out the Daemon Oak from @Woodart Vietnam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksxNvJXVh_U
Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun: https://ghostfiregaming.com/fables/
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:16 - Fables: Episode 2 release
10:07 - Daemon Oak Wood Sculpture
15:08 - Behind the scenes of Tal'Dorei Reborn
22:21 - New Tal'Dorei Statblocks
32:16 - The Legends of Vox Machina review
42:14 - Our Favorite
Railroading isn't such a bad thing, and this week we mount the argument why when discussing running campaigns for uncreative dungeon masters. We also answer email questions about satisfying endings and how to make it fun to outlaw magic.
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Logan: @the_runesmith
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
10:08 - DMing adventures when you're not creative
18:32 - How do you generally prep and run modules?
25:14 - It's Good to Railroad
31:45 - Ending a long campaign
42:15 - World Building: Magic is Illegal
Shawn unveils Grim Hollow: The Monster Grimoire to the public and we discuss building encounters around our favorite monsters. Ben and Dael debate Fire Elementals vs a bucket of water, and just how magical is that magical weapon?
Grim Hollow: The Monster Grimoire: https://ghostfiregaming.com/product/grim-hollow-the-monster-grimoire-pdf/
Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Logan: @the_runesmith
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:29 - Grim Hollow: The Monster Grimoire
10:43 - Choosing monsters for encounter building
17:39 - Stibble's Codex of Companions
21:22 - Modifying monster stat blocks
27:05 - Damage resistances, immunities and vulnerabilities
37:06 - Magic weapon damage and nonmagical damage
53:31 - American vs Australian bakeries
Runesmith himself, Logan Reese, returns to The Eldritch Lorecast to introduce his first 5th Edition adventure module; Sunken Isles. We're also delving into player-character backgrounds and how crafting your perfect backstory, and answering the big questions about sausage rolls!
Sign up for news from the Sunken Isles Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/the-sunken-isles/
Topics:
00:00 - intro
00:14 - What are sausage rolls?
06:12 - Introducing Sunken Isles
16:26 - New Sunken Isles player races
27:50 - New naval and sailing rules
35:29 - Player-character backgrounds
00:56 - The best virtual tabletops
The Eldritch Lorecast is back in 2022 and we're looking forward to a bright future in the TTRPG space. James discusses the release of his Fables baby, Shawn exhibits signs of Dragon Rage, Dael aims for some achievable goals including "2 small tricks", and Ben reminds himself to get back in touch with D&D as a hobby.
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:39 - Reflecting on 2021
03:59 - Release of Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun
09:57 - Exploring the Monster Grimoire
17:51 - Dungeons of Drakkenheim
22:13 - Fables 2 rumors
27:49 - Project "Dragon Rage"
31:14 - Sunken Isles
31:55 - Fight the Blight announcement
35:10 - Setting your hobby goals for 2022
The crew continue our Christmas themed adventure, playing FATE: Accelerated by Evil Hat Productions. Gripped by terror one year more, is the entirety of Landhaus who have all locked their doors... which is likely wise with Kallos, Brillo and Eleanor running amok!
The Tale Continued:
00:00 - Intro
01:32 - When we last left our heroes...
06:15 - Eleanor making enemies
21:19 - Confronting The Giver
38:35 - Combat commences (sort of)
43:31 - Eleanor making friends
55:22 - The FATE of Mr. Muscle Good Sir
On this very special episode of The Eldritch Lorecast, we're taking some time off from game design to play FATE: Accelerated, from Evil Hat Productions. 'Tis all winter solstice and silent in the city of Landhaus... until our heroes incite a riot and start breaking into homes in search of a mysterious gift giving monster!
The Tale:
00:00 - Intro
01:57 - FATE: Accelerated rules
04:05 - Our story begins...
06:20 - Character introductions
12:49 - The angry villagers
33:03 - Following a lead
50:12 - Breaking and entering
58:37 - Finally inside the house
This week's Lorecast asks the big questions about whether you NEED to expand your TTRPG repertoire or 5th Edition D&D can cover every genre? James gets excited about Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun and Dael introduces us to The Gentleman.
Download the first chapter of Fables FREE: https://ghostfiregaming.com/fables/
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:12 - Favorite Christmas gifts
07:00 - Fables Chapter 1
08:19 - Designing traps that engage players
16:31 - James' final words on Fables
18:56 - D&D 5e and genres of Fantasy
38:56 - How would you hack 5e to fit another genre?
49:44 - Christmas live-play teaser
This episode is all about the arcane, eldritch, and magical as we anticipate the release of Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos. Dael makes controversial claims about Counterspell, Ben is mad at Suggestion, Shawn warns against the dangers of not cleaning up after a ritual, and James
enjoys the mutual destruction of fireball. An email sparks a debate about whether bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage is magical if caused by a spell.
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:13 - Strixhaven Release!
15:18 - The Cat saga
15:36 - Monsters in Strixhaven
18:02 - Rating spells for WotC's survey
30:59 - Magic & Spellcasting
46:17 - Describing spells & magic
54:01 - Is piercing damage from a spell magical damage?
The Dungeon Dude's drop by to take us on a tour of their dark fantasy adventure module, the Dungeons of Drakkenheim! Monty contaminates the world of Drakkenheim with new spells and magic items, Kelly has regrets about the monsters he's created, Ben mutates into Colbert momentarily, and Dael wants us to follow the rabbit of happiness!
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:17 - What fictitious world would you escape into?
04:47 - Dungeons of Drakkenheim
13:53 - Contamination and Mutation mechanics
26:14 - Factions of Drakkenheim
37:29 - How to start World Building
Ben and Dael get recklessly empathetic for their new D&D characters while Shawn onboards new players by limiting their options. James get critical about the result of rolling a natural 20... or a natural 1.
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:31 - Character creation
23:38 - Using pre-generated characters
29:24 - Onboarding new players & Session 0's
37:00 - Having 'Reckless Empathy' for your character
40:59 - Scoring a Natural 20 and a Natural 1
46:40 - Designing rules for rolling criticals
Shawn and James break down their approaches to designing monsters for 5th Edition D&D, Dael explains building in a "Death Star Exhaust Port" to her monsters, and Ben is surprised by how virtuous everyone's player-characters are. We delve into the merits of running "An Evil Campaign" cue lightning and how each of us would approach such a dastardly game.
Ask us a question for the latest episode: podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:50 - 5e Monster Design
18:10 - Monster's with "Death Star Exhaust Ports"
25:48 - Monsters Inspired by real world critters
29:43 - Monster Hunts and Investigations
37:19 - Running an Evil Campaign
53:30 - D&D Inspiration from Video Games
James reveals all about Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun! This first ever Grim Hollow adventure module releases in instalments, starting in January 2022. The crew also discuss how digital tools such as Pathfinder Nexus and D&D Beyond have evolved alongside TTRPGs, and where they might be going. What is the scent of delusion? Are hit points meat?
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:48 - Fables - What? When? How?
16:52 - Fables - Character Levels
25:28 - Citadel of the Unseen Sun - Adventure design
31:56 - Digital tools used in TTRPGs
50:16 - Games Workshop scented candles
55:14 - Conceptualizing hit points and damage
Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun
https://ghostfiregaming.com/fables/
Sign up now to get each instalment at $9.99 as they release.
In Episode #05 we take a break from the news cycle to ask each other what we love most about playing tabletop roleplaying games like D&D 5e? How do you get started if you've never played before? Do complex game mechanics tell a better story than simple ones? Ben has strong feelings about whether you should turn your passion for TTRPGs into your job while Dael sees into the future and talks briefly about candy.
Topics:
02:37 - Why Play TTRPGs?
23:24 - Evolution of D&D through the Editions
36:35 - Crunchy game mechanics vs simple mechanics?
40:43 - Is 5th Edition the ultimate malleable RPG?
45:49 - How to get started playing TTRPGs?
Episode #04 features Logan from Runesmith taking us on tavern crawl through "The Seeker's Guide to Twisted Taverns", and we hotly debate the function of passive perception over a brew. As the night goes on we get philosophical about the alignment chart and the nature of morality, before diving into myths and morality tales. No birds were harmed in the making of this podcast.
Topics:
00:02:01 - "You all meet in a Tavern" adventures
00:11:09 - The Seeker's Guide To Twisted Taverns
00:21:10 - Passive Perception debate
00:31:47 - The Alignment Chart
00:47:43 - The Bird saga
00:48:43 - More Alignment Chat
Episode #03 takes a Netherdeep Dive into the new Critical Role book, "Call of the Netherdeep", with James spilling some secrets from the depths. We uncover the evolving magic item's from Fizban's Treasury and evolve it into a conversation about arcane artefacts in general. Then we get spooky, brainstorming experiences for Halloween and horror themed RPG's. Are vampires the most philosophical monsters, or was man the real monster all along?
Topics:
00:00:20 - Scariest D&D Monsters
00:03:20 - Talking CALL OF THE NETHERDEEP
00:16:08 - Shawn's doing an Extra Life live-play
00:25:25 - Awarding Magic Items
00:38:23 - Halloween themed games
Episode #02 of The Eldritch Lorecast explores Fizban's Treasury of Dragons and what we're excited to see in the new book! We also discuss the new Unearthed Arcana: Travelers of the Multiverse while pretending to know all about Spelljammers, explore how to make choosing racial traits far more customizable and dynamic, suggest variant roleplay tools such as prompt cards and relationship mapping, and start an international dispute over inches and centimetres.
Topics:
00:00:30 - Describe yourself as a dragon type
00:01:38 - Quest-o-Nomicon Kickstarter closes
00:02:28 - Unearthed Arcana: Travelers of the Multiverse
00:11:45 - Mixing up racial traits and bonuses
00:22:49 - Fizban's Treasury of Dragons
00:40:09 - Variant roleplaying tools for TTRPGs
00:57:09 - Should D&D use the metric system?
Welcome to Episode #01 of The Eldritch Lorecast, where we dissect the news in the tabletop RPG industry and discussing our findings! This week it's the arrival of Grim Hollow: The Player's Guide to Kickstarter backers, the Quest-o-Nomicon and designing adaptable adventures, changes coming in Mordenkainen's Monsters of the Multiverse, and our hopes and dreams for Dungeons & Dragons 5.5e.
Topics:
00:02:24 - Grim Hollow: The Player's Guide
00:16:35 - The Quest-o-Nomicon and adaptable adventures
00:34:20 - D&D Celebration 2021 and Mordenkainen's Monsters of the Multiverse
00:51:27 - Dungeons & Dragons 5.5e